Best Child Welfare Grants in Georgia

Georgia child welfare and child foster care nonprofits can access funding through the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust to support underprivileged children, including those who are orphaned or hard to place. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia and the broader Appalachian region may apply for program-focused grants rather than general operating support.

The Kirby Smart Family Foundation

The Kirby Smart Family Foundation enthusiastically supports those battling misfortune so that they can become victors over their circumstances.

Mary Beth and Kirby Smart have always exhibited the focus and work ethic required to become champions on and off the field. They bring that same passion to the opportunity to help children and families who are facing adversity. Working to be champions and help those in need in their home state of Georgia means so much to their family.

Our Mission: To be champions in our community by supporting and giving back to needy children and families facing adversity.

Grant Applications

During our annual Grant Application process, The Kirby Smart Family Foundation has the privilege of learning more about the incredible organizations in our community. Applications are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that the organization's needs align with our mission statement.

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations working in child welfare, health, education, civic, or religious programs can seek funding to support charitable activities. Grants from Frances Wood Wilson Foundation help Georgia child welfare services and related nonprofits deliver programs for children’s well-being, with awards considered at semi-annual board meetings each April and October.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt governmental, charitable, or educational organizations in Georgia can seek funding to expand access to legal services and justice-related programs. Grants from Georgia Bar Foundation help Georgia child welfare and justice organizations support low-income residents, aid children involved in the justice system, and provide legal and civic education for youth and adults.

Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving women and children through health, education, economic independence, social well-being, or human rights programs can seek US $100,000 for capital or self-sustaining projects. Ribbons of Hope Foundation supports child welfare efforts, with preference for programs fully funded by this grant and limited support for related overhead.

Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofits running specific, trackable youth and education programs can seek project funding to improve learning outcomes, motivation, and self-esteem from pre-K through higher education. Malone Family Foundation favors innovative, high-impact, long-term initiatives; child welfare organizations with strong management and measurable results may be especially competitive.

Greenawalt Foundation

Our Mission

The Greenawalt Foundation advances opportunities in the skilled trades through funding for accredited pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, workforce training initiatives, and youth career exploration experiences. These programs promote technical readiness and connect STEM education to modern trades careers, building a stronger, more sustainable workforce. Foundation support focuses on expanding access and creating equitable pathways to prosperity for individuals pursuing skilled trades careers. Through these efforts, the Foundation helps develop the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our communities.

Community Grant

The Greenawalt Foundation extends its commitment to opportunity and well-being through community grants that support nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and vulnerable populations. These grants focus on programs that promote safety, stability, and self-sufficiency, including initiatives supporting domestic violence recovery, foster care, the working poor, and animal welfare. Foundation support strengthens the social fabric of communities and expands access to essential resources for those in need. Through these efforts, the Foundation helps build stronger, more compassionate communities where individuals and families can thrive.

Areas of Support

We focus our community grants on initiatives that align with our mission of compassion, opportunity, and empowerment. Areas of support may include:

• Domestic violence prevention and survivor support
• Programs for women and children
• Family assistance and poverty relief initiatives
• Foster care, youth development, and educational support
• Animal welfare and community-based rescue programs

Child welfare and child welfare–adjacent organizations in Georgia working with unaccompanied children can access funding to provide home studies and post-release services through the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Administration for Children & Families, with awards from US $1,000,000 - US $50,000,000. Grants support safe placements, community connection, and ongoing support for unaccompanied children in the U.S.

Existing 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children in Metro Atlanta can seek program funding for critical, medical, and educational child welfare services. With a mission to help children thrive, Speedway Children's Charities provides grants across counties including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett, prioritizing homeless youth, foster and orphaned children, and victims of sex trafficking.

Nonprofit organizations supporting child welfare and child abuse prevention in Georgia and nationwide can seek funding for community-led, prevention-oriented projects that help families thrive. Doris Duke Foundation’s Child Well-Being National Program backs bold initiatives that reimagine child welfare systems, test alternatives like OPT-In for Families, and ensure children grow up in safe, healthy, and secure families.

Child welfare and health nonprofits serving children in Ben Hill, Irwin, and Wilcox Counties can access funding for care, education, and medical services. Grants from Allan C. and Lelia J. Garden Foundation help Georgia organizations support orphaned or underprivileged children, including those needing hospital, dental, nursing, or disability-related treatment and services.

Child welfare and family service nonprofits in Georgia may be eligible for McGraw Foundation support for programs serving children and families. McGraw Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for child welfare services, foster care and adoption support, crisis intervention, and related human services initiatives, generally favoring organizations in the greater Chicago area.

Nonprofit, Tribal, and governmental organizations in Georgia that work directly with child abuse, domestic violence, or sexual assault survivors can receive up to US $5,000 for staff self-care training, small capital items, or team-building activities. Grants from Joyful Heart Foundation help child welfare and survivor-service providers mitigate secondary trauma and join a national peer learning cohort.

Native American tribal governments and organizations in Georgia can seek funding to coordinate Tribal TANF and child welfare services for families at risk of child abuse or neglect. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Administration for Children & Families offers US $225,000 for improved case management, supportive services, and prevention efforts through demonstration projects.

Youth who are or were in Nevada foster care and pursuing college, trade, or vocational education can apply for the Foster Children Education Scholarship, awarding $1,000 - $5,000 per year. Offered by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, it supports U.S. residents with financial need and may benefit Georgia child welfare programs serving eligible youth.

Young people exiting foster care or living in poverty in North Carolina who seek to continue their education at accredited institutions can receive scholarship support through the Joyce Price Johnson’s Samaritan Fund. Administered by North Carolina Community Foundation, this fund may benefit Georgia child welfare organizations assisting eligible youth with postsecondary education access.

The Dr. Gary King Sharp Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Priority is given to those connected with Hospice services or in the foster care system, and to first-generation college students. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to empower students in their educational pursuits and enhance community life.

Students with financial need, especially those in the foster care system, can receive scholarship support for higher education from Marshfield Area Community Foundation. This opportunity focuses on educational access and equity and may benefit Georgia youth with child welfare or foster care experience pursuing postsecondary studies.

Georgia child welfare and youth-serving organizations can access funding through the Laird Norton Family Foundation for programs supporting youth and young adults facing or at risk of homelessness or system involvement. While grants are not limited to Georgia, work with ages 12–25 in child welfare or juvenile legal systems may be eligible under its Human Services program.

The ISF New Student Scholarship supports orphaned or former foster care students in their pursuit of higher education. By providing financial assistance and mentoring, ISF empowers these students to overcome obstacles and thrive academically. Recipients are selected based on their moral character, commitment to personal growth, and readiness to engage in leadership training. This initiative aims to transform lives and foster the next generation of leaders.

The Helen M. McLoraine Foster Care and Emancipated Youth Scholarship provides financial support for youth from the foster care system in Colorado. With a minimum award of $1,000, the scholarship is aimed at those pursuing post-secondary education, including trade schools and universities. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, resilience, and financial need, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational goals.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Stout Foundation Grant supports organizations aligned with the values of its founder, Mr. Stout. Grants are awarded exclusively to entities with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and focus on charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. Preference is given to organizations with low overhead costs and those located in areas frequented by Foundation members. The Foundation aims to promote effective use of funds while remaining flexible in its grant-making approach.

The EMF Family Building Grants, offered by the Expect Miracles Foundation, support young adult cancer survivors in their fertility treatment and family-building efforts. These grants are designed for applicants with a clear family-building plan and financial strategy, helping bridge the gap in costs associated with fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and related services. By prioritizing those actively engaged in their journey, the foundation aims to empower survivors to pursue their dreams of family.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation Grant supports a range of subjects including education, children's welfare, medical care, medical research, and Jewish philanthropic endeavors. Established in honor of Cindy Silvian, the foundation has awarded over $30 million since 2008. Applications are by invitation only, and organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. This year, the foundation allocated over $2.4 million to more than 110 organizations, highlighting its commitment to impactful philanthropy.